During a significant meeting in Budapest, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced a new defense agreement, including Hungary's purchase of four additional Gripen fighter jets.

This move is seen as Orbán's strategy to exit a prolonged NATO process, which he no longer benefited from, and to improve his image amidst a domestic scandal involving sex crimes against children.

Analysts suggest that the timing of this deal and Kristersson's visit provided Orbán with a convenient diversion from the scandal, while also serving as a face-saving measure internationally, especially after delaying Sweden's NATO accession without clear reasons.

The specifics of the agreement remain undisclosed, leaving speculation about the terms negotiated by Hungary.